AR SB696

Requires the Arkansas Fire Protection Services Board to mandate criminal background checks for all fire department applicants (full-time, part-time, or volunteer status)

Background checks must conform to federal standards, include fingerprinting, and be conducted through the Arkansas State Police Identification Bureau and Federal Bureau of Investigation

Applicants must sign a release form authorizing the background check, with fees paid by either the fire department or applicant

Background check results are used to determine applicant fitness and suitability as a firefighter, with criminal background information treated as confidential

Fire departments must destroy background check information within six (6) months of receipt, and the Arkansas Fire Protection Services Board shall promulgate rules for requesting and using the background checks